Help Skokie Become A Bike-Friendly Community

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie has applied for a Bicycle-Friendly Community distinction to improve conditions for local bicyclists.

The League of American Bicyclists conducts a national census of biking experiences in America yearly. This year, nearly 100 communities nationwide submitted applications to the League's Bicycle Friendly Community, including Skokie.

"A BFC welcomes bicyclists by providing safe accommodations for bicycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation," the League's website says. "Making bicycling safe and convenient are keys to improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and improving quality of life."

In Skokie, there are over 40 miles of bike routes, lanes and paths with the village planning to add approximately 13 more miles. By the end of 2025, Skokie will have major east-west bike lanes on Howard, Main and Church streets.

Survey responses will help the village understand bicycling conditions and potential areas for improvement.

The survey will ask about your biking habits and the availability of biking infrastructure in the village. Residents will be able to share their opinions and suggestions for making Skokie a more bicycle-friendly community.

In Illinois, nine other communities are also seeking the distinction this year, including nearby communities Evanston and Niles. There are already 14 bicycle-friendly communities in the state and Illinois is ranked the 11th-most bicycle-friendly state behind Michigan.

The deadline to complete the survey is Oct.5.